The Juan Sebastián Elkano Monument in Getaria is an impressive sculptural ensemble that pays tribute to the famous Basque navigator, renowned for completing the first circumnavigation of the world. This monument stands atop one of the bastions of the ancient walls that once protected the coastal town, prominently located next to the main road running through Getaria.

History of the Monument

Although Getaria already had two statues in honor of Elkano—one in Elkanoren Plaza (1861) and another in Gudarien Plaza (1888)—in 1919, the Gipuzkoa Provincial Council decided to hold a competition to build a new monument commemorating the fourth centenary of the expedition that achieved the first voyage around the world.

The winning project was by architect Miguel Martín Fernández de la Torre. However, due to its high cost, an alternative design was chosen from among the finalists: the work of sculptor Victorio Macho and architects Agustín Aguirre and José Azpiroz.

The central sculpture, a five-meter-tall winged figure, was presented in bronze by Macho at the Iberian Artists Exhibition in 1922, receiving praise for its powerful design. The monument was finally inaugurated on October 10, 1925.

Description of the Monument

The sculptural ensemble, made of sandstone, reflects the Art Deco style characteristic of the 1920s.

Visitors enter through the old bastion, where an inscription reads: Primus Circundedisti Me ("You were the first to circumnavigate me").

A staircase leads to a viewpoint crowned by an impressive winged sculpture, resembling a ship's figurehead, symbolizing Elkano’s victory and spirit of exploration.

Commemorative Plaque

The monument originally included a commemorative plaque displaying the names of the 18 sailors who completed the first circumnavigation aboard the Victoria alongside Elkano.

In 2021, the Getaria City Council updated the plaque to also include the names of 17 sailors who had been captured during the journey and later completed the voyage after being released, recognizing their contribution to this historic achievement.

Location and Importance

The monument holds a prominent position within Getaria, offering panoramic views and serving as a powerful reminder of the town’s maritime legacy.

Its location atop the old bastion not only enhances its visibility within the urban landscape but also symbolizes the community’s pride and protective stance towards its most famous historical figure.

This monument is a must-see for those interested in history and Basque cultural heritage, providing a tangible link to the great maritime feats of explorers like Juan Sebastián Elkano.